The Memory Band
played richly textured, mild-mannered guitar-based
folk
music with some influences from vintage
British folk
and
folk-rock
on
Apron Strings
, their second album. Instrumentally, they're most distinguished from other acts working in similar territory by their prominent use of both violin and viola, usually in the same track. Listen to the opening instrumental, a version of the
traditional
warhorse
"Blackwaterside,"
and you'll be reminded of
Donovan
songs like
"The Fat Angel,"
though the vibe is here relayed in a more detached, somber fashion. There's some other
material on the album too (as well as an unexpected cover of
Ronnie Lane
's
"The Poacher"
), though most often the songs are the work of guitarist-founder
Stephen Cracknell
, and convey an autumnal, slightly melancholic outlook. The use of both male and female vocals (
Cracknell
Nancy Wallace
being the most prominent contributors in that regard) helps vary the moods, but the singing, and to a lesser degree the playing, would benefit from some more intensity and emotion. ~ Richie Unterberger